Hartle's Gravity: Read it Before Special Relativity?

  • Thread starter Goldbeetle
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Gravity
In summary, the conversation revolved around recommendations for reading material on special relativity before diving into Hartle's book on general relativity. The suggestion was made to start with a book solely on special relativity, such as "A Traveller's Guide to Spacetime" or the first red paperback edition of "Spacetime Physics." It was also mentioned that some prior exposure to special relativity would be beneficial before tackling Hartle's book, as it briefly covers concepts from SR.
  • #1
Goldbeetle
210
1
Has anybody read the book? Is it just me or it would be better to read before a book on special relativity?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
Yes, I'd suggest a book on special relativity before tackling Hartle, though Hartle does cover SR. If you're finding that section of his book difficult, I'd suggest, as usual, the red paperback first edition of Spacetime Physics.
 
  • #3
You should definitely have had some exposure to SR before going through Hartle's Gravity. Even exposure on the level of simply manipulating lorentz factors and whatnot is very helpful before presented with the 4-vector formulation of everything. The book is, after all, an introduction to general relativity, and just quickly glosses over stuff from SR as a refresher/analogy to GR.
 
  • #4
Thanks. I'm reading "A Traveller's Guide to Spacetime" and it's excellent. I also have "Spacetime Physics" (first red paperback edition with exercises and solutions" and the book by French.
 

1. What is Hartle's Gravity?

Hartle's Gravity is a theory proposed by physicist James Hartle that attempts to reconcile the theory of general relativity with quantum mechanics. It suggests that the fundamental nature of reality is a "quantum foam" of constantly fluctuating space-time, rather than a smooth and continuous fabric.

2. How does Hartle's Gravity differ from Einstein's theory of general relativity?

Hartle's Gravity differs from Einstein's theory in that it incorporates the principles of quantum mechanics, which Einstein's theory does not. It also suggests that the universe has no singular beginning or end, but rather exists in a state of eternal flux.

3. What is the significance of reading about Hartle's Gravity before learning about special relativity?

Reading about Hartle's Gravity before learning about special relativity can provide a deeper understanding of the principles of general relativity and the challenges of reconciling it with quantum mechanics. It also sheds light on alternative theories and approaches to understanding the nature of reality.

4. Are there any experiments or evidence that support Hartle's Gravity?

Currently, there is no direct experimental evidence for Hartle's Gravity. However, many physicists continue to explore and develop the theory, and there are some indirect observations that are consistent with its predictions. Further research and experiments are needed to fully test and validate the theory.

5. What are some potential implications of Hartle's Gravity?

If Hartle's Gravity is proven to be correct, it could have significant implications for our understanding of the universe and the laws of physics. It could also lead to breakthroughs in areas such as quantum gravity and the unification of the fundamental forces of nature. Additionally, it may challenge our notions of causality and the concept of a singular beginning of the universe.

Similar threads

  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
15
Views
2K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
9
Views
358
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
7
Views
1K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
16
Views
1K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
1
Views
999
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
3
Views
995
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • Science and Math Textbooks
Replies
16
Views
2K
Back
Top